Arkansas: Home to Legendary NBA Players
Arkansas is renowned for its active diamond mine, but it has also produced some of the greatest NBA players in history. In this article, we will highlight the top NBA players from Arkansas, including hall of famers, superstars, and current players who were born or raised in the state.
Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen, born in Hamburg, Arkansas in 1965, is a highly decorated American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the University of Arkansas before being drafted into the NBA in 1987. Pippen had a remarkable 17-season career in the NBA, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Known for his exceptional defense and scoring abilities, Pippen is considered one of the most versatile players in NBA history. His basketball IQ is unmatched, as he is the only player to win an Olympic gold medal and an NBA title in the same year. Teaming up with Michael Jordan, Pippen helped transform the Chicago Bulls into a dominant force in the 1990s, solidifying his status as a legendary player.
Arkansas’ passion for basketball can be attributed to its competitive collegiate games, preservation of heritage, and thriving sports betting scene. Inspirational stories like Pippen’s have motivated many others on this list to pursue their dreams.
Sidney Moncrief
Sidney Moncrief, a three-time All-American, played for the University of Arkansas from 1975 to 1979 and played a significant role in popularizing the Razorbacks’ basketball program nationwide. As a superstar shooting guard, Moncrief was selected for the NBA All-Star game five consecutive times.
In 1979, Moncrief earned the Consensus First Team All-American designation and was also named Consensus Second Team All-American. He averaged over 20 points per game for four seasons, solidifying his place among Arkansas’ greatest players of all time.
Joe Johnson
Joe Johnson, a standout player for the University of Arkansas, has left a lasting legacy in the state’s basketball history. Named Mr. Basketball in 1999, Johnson went on to make seven NBA All-Star appearances.
After being drafted tenth overall by the Boston Celtics in 2001, Johnson played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks. In 2021, he returned to the Boston Celtics and made history by scoring a basket at both age 20 and 40 with the same team, joining Dirk Nowitzki in this achievement.
Corliss Williamson
Corliss Williamson, born in Russellville, Arkansas, had an impressive high school career at Russellville High School, earning numerous awards, including the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992. From 1992 to 1995, Williamson played college basketball at the University of Arkansas, where he averaged 5.1 rebounds and 14.6 points per game.
Selected by the Sacramento Kings in the NBA draft, Williamson went on to play for the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and other teams. He is known for winning championships at three different levels: AAU, NCAA with Arkansas, and the NBA with the Detroit Pistons. After retiring, Williamson pursued a coaching career, including coaching his home state’s Arkansas Baptist.
Alvin Robertson
Alvin Robertson, drafted as the seventh overall pick in 1984, is a four-time NBA All-Star. He played for the San Antonio Spurs from 1984 to 1989 and was named the Most Improved Player of the Year and NBA Most Defensive Player in 1986.
Robertson holds the record for the highest average steals per game at 2.71 and is the only player with over 300 steals in a season. He had successful stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and Florida Beach Dogs throughout his career.
Oliver Miller
Oliver Miller, a college basketball player for the Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas, was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1992. Standing at 6 ft 9 and weighing approximately 140 kg, Miller earned the nickname “The Big O” due to his imposing frame.
After a successful six-year NBA career, Miller played overseas in Greece, China, and Poland. He later returned to the NBA in 2003 before transitioning to minor-league and semi-pro basketball. Miller retired in 2010 as the heaviest player in NBA history.
Todd Day
Todd Day made a name for himself as a shooting guard for the Razorbacks from 1989 to 1992. He had a remarkable college career, becoming the University of Arkansas’ all-time leading scorer. Day was recognized as a second and third-team All-American in 1991 and 1992, respectively, and received the SWC Co-Player of the Year Award in 1992.
Day was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1992 and played eight seasons in the NBA. He also played for various teams overseas, including Brazil and Cyprus. Currently, Day serves as a coach at Philander Smith College.
Mike Conley Jr.
In 2007, Mike Conley Jr. was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA draft. He had an impressive 12-season tenure with the Grizzlies, becoming the team’s all-time leading scorer. Conley joined the Utah Jazz in 2019 and later joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023.
Conley is known for his exceptional playmaking skills, leadership, and high basketball IQ. These qualities are often seen in Arkansas-born players, making the state a breeding ground for talented basketball stars.
Arkansas has undoubtedly produced some of the greatest NBA players in history. Their achievements on the court exemplify the values of hard work, leadership, and excellence that Arkansas holds dear, solidifying its reputation as a diamond mine for American professional basketball.